Strategic Leadership Shifts in Consulting: BRG's New Chapter Under Jack Azagury

The consulting industry is undergoing a seismic shift as firms recalibrate their strategies to address the dual imperatives of digital transformation and geopolitical uncertainty. At the forefront of this evolution is Berkeley Research Group (BRG), which has recently appointed Jack Azagury as its Chair. Azagury, a 29-year veteran of Accenture and a thought leader in AI-driven strategy, brings a unique blend of operational rigor and technological foresight to BRG. This leadership shift, coupled with BRG’s recent financial performance and market positioning, positions the firm to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the business services sector.

Azagury’s Vision: AI as a Strategic Catalyst

Jack Azagury’s appointment as Chair of BRG underscores the firm’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) as a core differentiator. Azagury has long emphasized that AI is not merely a tool for cost reduction but a transformative force that redefines competitive advantage. His work with BRG aligns with broader industry trends, where AI governance, personalization, and automation are central to strategic planning [1]. For instance, Azagury’s advocacy for board-level AI oversight reflects a growing demand for firms to integrate ethical frameworks and governance into their digital strategies [1].

This approach resonates with BRG’s existing strengths. The firm’s interdisciplinary teams, which include scientists and engineers, enable a holistic approach to solving complex business problems [1]. Under Azagury’s leadership, BRG is likely to deepen its focus on AI-driven analytics, particularly in sectors like financial services, where generative AI is already reshaping risk modeling and customer engagement [1].

Financial Performance and Market Positioning

BRG’s Q2 2025 earnings highlight its resilience and adaptability. EBITDA reached NOK 522 million, up from NOK 510 million in the same period the previous year, driven by strong performance in BioSolutions and BioMaterials [4]. The firm’s investment in a 30-megawatt electric boiler at its Sarpsborg biorefinery further underscores its commitment to sustainability, aligning with the ESG consulting market’s projected growth from $12.26 billion in 2023 to $43.32 billion by 2029 [2].

While Fine Chemicals underperformed due to volatile bioethanol prices, BRG’s management forecasts stabilization in the second half of 2025, supported by improved volumes in specialty cellulose [4]. These dynamics suggest a firm that is agile in navigating sector-specific challenges while maintaining long-term strategic focus.

Industry Trends and BRG’s Competitive Edge

The consulting sector in 2025 is defined by three key trends: AI integration, industry specialization, and ESG compliance. BRG’s recent recognition in Forbes’ World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2025—noted for its expertise in disputes, corporate finance, and performance improvement—highlights its ability to deliver tailored solutions [3]. This aligns with a broader industry shift toward niche expertise, as clients increasingly favor firms with deep sector knowledge [2].

Azagury’s dual role as BRG Chair and Senior Advisor to TowerBrook Capital Partners further strengthens the firm’s positioning. TowerBrook’s emphasis on innovation and long-term value creation complements BRG’s mission to combine academic rigor with business acumen [1]. This synergy is critical in an industry where lateral hires with AI and supply chain expertise command a 10% salary premium [1].

Implications for the Business Services Sector

BRG’s strategic pivot under Azagury has broader implications for the business services sector. As AI becomes a cornerstone of competitive strategy, firms that integrate governance frameworks and ethical AI practices—such as BRG’s emphasis on board-level oversight—will gain a first-mover advantage [1]. Additionally, BRG’s focus on sustainability aligns with regulatory pressures, particularly in the EU, where carbon pricing and supply chain transparency are becoming non-negotiables [4].

For investors, BRG’s growth trajectory hinges on its ability to scale AI-driven solutions while maintaining profitability in volatile markets. The firm’s recent NOK 138 million investment in decarbonization technologies at Sarpsborg exemplifies this balance, reducing CO2 emissions by 18,000 tonnes annually while supporting long-term climate targets [4]. Such initiatives not only enhance BRG’s ESG credentials but also position it to attract capital from impact-focused investors.

Conclusion

Jack Azagury’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for BRG, aligning the firm with the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the consulting industry. By embedding AI and ESG into its strategic DNA, BRG is well-positioned to outperform in a sector increasingly defined by specialization and innovation. For the business services sector, BRG’s evolution under Azagury serves as a blueprint for firms seeking to navigate the intersection of technology, sustainability, and global uncertainty.

Source:
[1] Jack Azagury Appointed as Chair of Global Consulting Firm BRG [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jack-azagury-appointed-as-chair-of-global-consulting-firm-brg-302550050.html]
[2] Top Consulting Industry Trends & Outlook for 2025 [https://www.alpha-sense.com/blog/trends/consulting-industry-trends/]
[3] Meet The World's Best Management Consulting Firms 2025 [https://www.forbes.com/sites/haniyarae/2025/08/27/meet-the-worlds-best-management-consulting-firms-2025/]
[4] BRG Q2-2025 Earnings Call [https://www.alphaspread.com/security/ose/brg/investor-relations/earnings-call/q2-2025]